Reports: Iranian opposition activists arrested day after protests turn deadly

Reports: Iranian opposition activists arrested

TEHRAN, Iran — Iranian opposition Web sites say a total of seven anti-government activists have been arrested in a new crackdown on the opposition.

The Web sites say the arrested include Ali Riza Beheshti, the closest aide to opposition leader Mir Mousavi, and former Foreign Minister Ebrahim Yazdi.

The reports could not be independently confirmed.

The arrests come a day after at least five people were killed during anti-government protests. Sunday’s unrest was one of the bloodiest confrontations between the government and pro-reform activists in months.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — An Iranian opposition Web site says two prominent critics of the government have been arrested.

The Rah-e-Sabz site says former Foreign Minister Ebrahim Yazdi and human rights activist Emad Baghi were arrested early Monday.

Yazdi, who served as foreign minister after the 1979 Islamic revolution, is now leader of the banned but tolerated Freedom Movement of Iran.

The arrests come a day after at least five people were killed during anti-government protests. Sunday’s unrest was one of the bloodiest confrontations between the government and pro-reform activists in months.